Study and Assessment of Motor Abilities of Older Pre-School Children with Speech Disorder

Objectives: To identify and assess the level of development of motor abilities in older pre-school -age children with speech disorder. Methods: The study included 200 older pre-school age children, 100 children with a healthy level of speech development and 100 with speech disorder, in Belgorod and Belgorod region (Russian Federation). The study looked at scientific sources; motor abilities testing (motor coordination, speed and strength, strength, plasticity, stamina); methods of mathematical statistics (Student's test). Results: The study and assessment of motor abilities of older pre-school age children showed the predominance of an insufficient level of development of motor and coordination abilities in both neurotypical children and those with language disorder. In both groups, children performed worse left hand (the insufficient level was noted in children with speech disorder in 100% of boys and girls; in the group of children with a healthy level of speech development – in 84.1% of boys and 81.5 % of girls). When performing the task right hand, an insufficient level was noticed in children with speech disorder in 95.5% of boys and 96.4% of girls; in the group of children with a healthy level of speech development – in 77.3% of boys and 74.1% of girls. Diagnosis of other motor abilities states the dominance of the insufficient level only in children with speech disorder: in strength abilities-in 70.5% of boys and 72.3% of girls, speed and strength abilities - in 68.2 % of boys and 67.9 % of girls, stamina-in 77.3% of boys and 75% of girls, plasticity-in 65.9% of boys and 62.5% of girls. The veracity of results was confirmed through Student's test. The observed differences are statistically significant. Conclusions: The obtained findings and assessment of motor abilities confirm developmental lag in older pre-school age children with speech disorder. In children, low indicators in the level of development of motor-coordination abilities and stamina prevailed.